ATP Indian Wells has well and truly started and the first round has already given some exciting and interesting matchups. Day 2 promises more of the same. In this article, we look at four of the first-round matches scheduled at ATP Indian Wells Day 2. In three separate articles, we have predictions featuring Rafael Nadal vs. Milos Raonic, Gael Monfils vs. Max Purcell, and Stan Wawrinka vs Tomas Machac. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Indian Wells Day 2 Predictions
Lorenzo Sonego vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head to Head: 3-3
The Italian, Sonego, start to the season has not gone particularly well. On the main Tour, the furthest he has reached is the second round. Kecmanovic has steadily improved as the season has gone on. Fourth round in the Australian Open was followed by a couple of early exits at other events. However, just last week Kecmanovic reached the quarter final in Mexico. Of the meetings between these two, the Serbian was the better on hard courts, whilst the Italian favoured the grass. Clay they are both even with 2 wins each. As this is hard court, it will be difficult to go against the Serbian in this match up.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 2
Patrick Kypson vs Ethan Quinn
Head to Head: 3-0
The all-American clash of this round. Kypson and Quinn have met three times on the tour. The most recently at Cleveland Challenger where they met in the final. Although Quinn took the first set there, Kypson came back to take the next 2 and extend the head to head. Quinn has come through qualifying here and knocked out seeds to make the main draw. Kypson, though currently has Quinn’s number so will be confident of defeating his fellow American once again
Prediction: Kypson in 3
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Flavio Cobolli
Head to Head: First Meeting
Spaniard Carballes Baena and Italian Cobolli are surprisingly close in ranking. Only two spots between them. Carballes Baena has so far this season had early exits in singles. Cobolli made the quarter final in Delray Beach but then had first or second round exits. The Italian has played slightly more as in previous events he had to come through qualifying. This should be a close match
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Botic Van de Zandschulp
Head to Head: First Meeting
Canadian Shapovalov and Dutchman van de Zandschulp have never met on Tour. The Canadian lost early in Dubai last week, after Brit Andy Murray claimed the win in three sets. Shapovalov has not progressed beyond the second round on the main tour yet this season. Van de Zandschulp reached the second round last week in Dubai, that is the furthest so far this season. This matchup is going to be the best of this selection on the day.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
